Systems and methods for participative support of content-providing users

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for facilitating participative support among users are disclosed. The users may include content-providing users that provide user-provided content to other users. Exemplary implementations may: obtain items of user-provided content; effectuate presentations of the items of user-provided content through user interfaces to the users; receive revenue information from the users, wherein the revenue information represents received revenue for the content-providing users, including a participative-support exchange between a second user and the content-providing user of an amount of a currency being exchanged for a portion of particular (future) revenue received by the content-providing user; determine the particular revenue for the content-providing user, based on the received revenue information; determine and distribute the portion of the particular revenue to the second user, in accordance with the participative-support exchange.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for facilitatingparticipative support among users, wherein the users includecontent-providing users that provide user-provided content to otherusers.

BACKGROUND

Online platforms that allow users to share content are known. Onlineplatforms that allow users to publish user-provided content are known.Online platforms that allows users to rate, rank, and/or otherwise voteon posted content are known, such as, by way of example, YouTube™,Facebook™, and Reddit™.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system or systemsconfigured for participative support among users. The system may includeelectronic storage media, one or more servers, one or more hardwareprocessors configured by machine-readable instructions, and/or othercomponents. The processor(s) may be configured to store information. Thestored information may include user account information related to useraccounts. The user accounts may be associated with the users such that afirst user account is associated with the content-providing user and asecond user account is associated with the second user. First accountinformation may be related to the first user account. Second accountinformation may be related to the second user account. The processorsmay be configured to maintain the user accounts associated with theusers. The processors may be configured to obtain items of user-providedcontent. The items may include audio information. The items may beassociated with the content-providing users such that a first item ofuser-provided content is associated with the content-providing user whoprovided the first item. The first item may include first audioinformation. The processors may be configured to effectuatepresentations of the items of user-provided content through userinterfaces to the users. The processors may be configured to receiverevenue information from the users. The revenue information mayrepresent received revenue for the content-providing users. The receivedrevenue may be a combination of one or more types of revenue source. Theone or more types of revenue source may include donations andparticipative-support exchanges. A one-time donation may be anindividual donation from an individual user to an individualcontent-providing user. A participative-support exchange may be aparticular exchange between the second user and the content-providinguser of an amount of a currency being exchanged for a portion ofparticular revenue received by the content-providing user. Theparticular revenue may be based on received revenue information. Theprocessors may be configured to determine the particular revenue for thecontent-providing user, based on the received revenue information. Theprocessors may be configured to determine and distribute the portion ofthe particular revenue to the second user, in accordance with theparticipative-support exchange.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method or methodsfor facilitating participative support among users. The method mayinclude storing information. The stored information may include useraccount information related to user accounts. The user accounts may beassociated with the users such that a first user account is associatedwith the content-providing user and a second user account is associatedwith the second user. First account information may be related to thefirst user account. Second account information may be related to thesecond user account. The method may include maintaining the useraccounts associated with the users. The method may include obtainingitems of user-provided content. The items include audio information. Theitems are associated with the content-providing users such that a firstitem of user-provided content is associated with the firstcontent-providing user who provided the first item. The first item mayinclude first audio information. The method may include effectuatingpresentations of the items of user-provided content through userinterfaces to the users. The method may include receiving revenueinformation from the users. The revenue information may representreceived revenue for the content-providing users. The received revenuemay be a combination of one or more types of revenue source. The one ormore types of revenue source may include one-time donations andparticipative-support exchanges. A one-time donation may be anindividual donation from an individual user to an individualcontent-providing user. A participative-support exchange may be aparticular exchange between the second user and the content-providinguser of an amount of a currency being exchanged for a portion ofparticular revenue received by the content-providing user. Theparticular revenue is based on received revenue information. The methodmay include determining the particular revenue for the content-providinguser, based on the received revenue information. The method may includedetermining and distributing the portion of the particular revenue tothe second user, in accordance with the participative-support exchange.

As used herein, any association (or relation, or reflection, orindication, or correspondency) involving servers, processors, clientcomputing platforms, user-provided content, presentations, ratings,rating information, users, accounts, account information, rankingmetrics, experience metrics, values, comparisons, correlations,accuracies, determinations, assets, offers, transactions, revenueinformation, revenue, donations, exchanges, rights, benefits, ownership,instructions, operations, distributions, transfers, notifications,and/or another entity or object that interacts with any part of thesystem and/or plays a part in the operation of the system, may be aone-to-one association, a one-to-many association, a many-to-oneassociation, and/or a many-to-many association or “N”-to-“M” association(note that “N” and “M” may be different numbers greater than 1).

As used herein, the term “obtain” (and derivatives thereof) may includeactive and/or passive retrieval, determination, derivation, transfer,upload, download, submission, and/or exchange of information, and/or anycombination thereof. As used herein, the term “effectuate” (andderivatives thereof) may include active and/or passive causation of anyeffect, both local and remote. As used herein, the term “determine” (andderivatives thereof) may include measure, calculate, compute, estimate,approximate, generate, and/or otherwise derive, and/or any combinationthereof.

These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structure and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured for determining and rewardingaccuracy in predicting ratings of user-provided content that is providedand rated by users, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method for determining and rewarding accuracy inpredicting ratings of user-provided content that is provided and ratedby users, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 3 illustrates a user interface, as may be presented to the users ofa system as described, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate exemplary blockchains as may be used by a systemconfigured for determining and rewarding accuracy in predicting ratingsof user-provided content, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 configured for participative supportamong users, in accordance with one or more implementations. The usersmay include, by way of non-limiting example, content-providing usersthat provide user-provided content to other users. As used herein, theterm “user-provided content” may refer to content (particularly digitalcontent) that includes audio information, including but not limited tosongs, music, spoken word, interviews, comedy, theatre, podcasts, and/orother forms of information and/or entertainment. In someimplementations, users may provide ratings for the user-providedcontent. As used herein, the term “rating” may refer to a representationof an assessment and/or evaluation of the quality and/or merit of aparticular item of content, and/or of an expectation or predictionthereof to be provided by multiple users. For example, a basic ratingmay represent whether a user likes or dislikes a song, and/or aprediction whether a majority of other users will like or dislike thesame song.

In some implementations, system 100 may include one or more servers 102.Server(s) 102 may be configured to communicate with one or more clientcomputing platforms 104 according to a client/server architecture and/orother architectures. Client computing platform(s) 104 may be configuredto communicate with other client computing platforms via server(s) 102and/or according to a peer-to-peer architecture and/or otherarchitectures. Users may access system 100 via client computingplatform(s) 104, e.g., through user interfaces 125. The users mayinclude content-providing users, rating-providing users, and/or othertypes of users. For example, the users may include a first user, asecond user, a third user, and so forth. For example, thecontent-providing users may include a first content-providing user, asecond content-providing user, and so forth. For example, therating-providing users may include a first rating-providing user, asecond rating-providing user, and so forth. In some implementations, anindividual user may be both a content-providing user and arating-providing user. In some implementations, the firstcontent-providing user may be associated with a first client computingplatform 104 (and a first user interface 125), the secondrating-providing user may be associated with a second client computingplatform 104 (and a second user interface 125), and so forth.

Server(s) 102 may be configured by machine-readable instructions 106.Machine-readable instructions 106 may include one or more instructioncomponents. The instruction components may include computer programcomponents. The instruction components may include one or more of aninformation storing component 108, a user account component 110, acontent obtaining component 112, a presentation component 114, a ratingcomponent 116, a metric component 118, a comparison component 120, acorrelation determination component 122, an award distribution component124, a record component 132, an instruction component 134, a revenueinformation component 136, a revenue determination component 138, arevenue distribution component 140, an exchange component 142, arecommendation component 144, and/or other components. In someimplementations, server(s) may include one or more content servers 102a. In some implementations, content server(s) 102 a may be configured toeffectuate presentations of user-provided content.

Information storing component 108 may be configured to store informationin electronic storage 128 and/or other electronic storage. The storedinformation may include user account information related to useraccounts of the users. Individual ones of the user accounts may beassociated with individual ones of the users. For example, a first useraccount may be associated with a first user (e.g., a content-providinguser), a second user account may be associated with a second user, andso forth. First account information may be related to the first useraccount, second account information may be related to the second useraccount, and so forth. In some implementations, information storingcomponent 108 may be configured to record and/or otherwise storeinformation in blockchain 111 a.

In some implementations, (user-specific) account information may includeone or more metrics. For example, an experience metric may represent anamount of experience by a user in providing the user-provided content.Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, an experience metric may representan amount of (a particular type of) ratings received by the user thathas provided user-provided content (e.g., more favorable ratings mayincrease the represented amount and/or the corresponding experiencemetric). For example, a different experience metric may represent anamount of experience by a particular user in providing ratings of theindividual items of user-provided content. Alternatively, and/orsimultaneously, a different experience metric may represent an amount (aparticular type of) ratings provided by the particular user that hasprovided ratings of the individual items of user-provided content (e.g.,more accurate ratings may increase the represented amount and/or thecorresponding experience metric). In some implementations, the one ormore metrics may include a metric that represents success and/oraccuracy in predicting (user-provided) ratings for user-providedcontent. In some implementations, account information may include abalance of a digital asset, including but not limited to one or morecurrencies. In some implementations, account information may link and/orotherwise refer to blockchain 111 a.

In some implementations, (user-specific) account information may includerevenue information, information regarding donations, informationregarding participative-support exchanges, information regardingownership rights and/or distribution rights pertaining toparticipative-support exchanges, and/or other information. In someimplementations, account information may link and/or otherwise refer toblockchain 111 a.

User account component 110 may be configured to manage and/or maintainthe user accounts associated with the users. In some implementations,maintaining the user accounts may include managing user-specificinventories. For example, an inventory may include digital assets,currencies, balances of metrics (e.g., a particular value for aparticular metric, including but not limited to experience metrics),virtual items, and/or other items. In some implementations, maintaininguser accounts may include modifying the user account information. Insome implementations, at least some account information may be recordedand/or otherwise stored in blockchain 111 a.

Content obtaining component 112 may be configured to obtain individualitems of user-provided content. The individual items may include audioinformation. In some implementations, the individual items may includeaudio-visual information. The individual items may be associated withindividual ones of the individual users who provided the individualitems such that a first item of user-provided content is associated withthe first content-providing user who provided the first item. The firstitem of user-provided content may include first audio information. Forexample, a particular item of user-provided content may include a songand/or another piece of music. For example, the content-providing userwho has provided the particular item may be the artist who created thatparticular song. Different content-providing users may provide differentsongs such that content obtaining component 112 may obtain theindividual different songs for presentation to other users, includingbut not limited to rating-providing users who provide ratings. In someimplementations, content obtaining component 112 may be configured tohost user-provided content. In some implementations, content obtainingcomponent 112 may be configured to obtain user-provided content from oneor more other servers, hosts, distribution platforms, and/or otherproviders, including but not limited to YouTube™, SoundCloud™, and/orother service providers. In some implementations, content obtainingcomponent 112 may be configured to provide access to user-providedcontent, e.g., through a uniform resource locator (URL), a uniformresource identifier, a link, a code, and/or other information thatrefers to particular user-provided content.

Presentation component 114 may be configured to effectuate presentationsto individual users, e.g., through client computing platforms 104 and/oruser interfaces 125. In some implementations, individual items ofuser-provided content may be associated with individualcontent-providing users (e.g., the respective creators of theuser-provided content). In some implementations, presentation component114 may be configured to effectuate presentations of the individualitems of user-provided content to the individual users. For example,presentation component 114 may effectuate a first presentation, througha particular client computing platform 104 and/or a particular userinterface 125, to a particular (rating-providing) user. For example,presentation component 114 may effectuate a second presentation, througha different client computing platform 104 and/or a different userinterface 125, to a different (rating-providing) user. For example, aparticular presentation may include a particular item of user-providedcontent. In some implementations, the same item of user-provided contentmay be presented separately to multiple users, through multiplepresentations. In some implementations, user interfaces 125 may beconfigured to receive user input from the (rating-providing) users. Forexample, through presentation component 114, one or more songs may bepresented to one or more rating-providing users (e.g., via userinterfaces 125 that are presented to the rating-providing users).

In some implementations, the same user interfaces may be used to bothpresent items of user-provided content as well as receive user inputfrom rating-providing users. In some implementations user input may be(rating-providing) user-specific and/or (user-provided)content-specific. For example, particular user input from a particularrating-providing user may represent a rating by the particularrating-providing user of a particular item of user-provided content(say, a particular song). For example, a rating may be positive ornegative. In some implementations, a rating may be positive, negative,and/or neutral. In some implementations, a rating may be representednumerically. For example, a rating-providing user may rate a songpositively or negatively (e.g., using

and

). In some implementations, a rating may represent an expectation and/orprediction of how the majority of rating-providing users will rateand/or like the particular song. In some implementations, user-providedcontent may be presented at the same time as and/or contemporaneouslywith the provision of a rating from the rating-providing user. Forexample, the particular song is presented to the particularrating-providing user (using a particular user interface 125). While theparticular song is playing (and/or, in some implementations, shortlythereafter), the particular rating-providing user can provide user inputthat represents the rating by the particular rating-providing user ofthe particular song (e.g., using the same particular user interface125).

In some implementations, presentation component 114 may effectuate aparticular individual presentation to individual users through which theindividual users can initiate and/or facilitate support for acontent-providing user. In some implementations, support may beimplemented as one or more types of revenue source for content-providingusers. In some implementations, individual types of revenue source mayprovide individual types of revenue. For example, a particular type ofrevenue source may be sales of one or more individual items ofuser-provided content. For example, a particular type of revenue sourcemay be rent and/or lease of one or more individual items ofuser-provided content (e.g., granting certain usage rights for a limitedtime). For example, a particular type of revenue source may be donationsto a content-providing user. For example, donations may be a one-timedonation or tip. In some implementations, donations may includerecurring and/or repeated donations and/or tips for a particularcontent-providing user. For example, a particular type of revenue sourcemay be participative-support exchanges for an individualcontent-providing user. For example, a particular participative-supportexchange may be an exchange between a particular content-providing userand another user. The exchange may exchange an amount of a currency fora portion of particular revenue. For example, the particular revenue maybe revenue that is to be received (e.g., subsequent to the particularparticipative-support exchange) by the particular content-providinguser. The particular revenue may be based on revenue from one or moretypes of revenue source. For example, in a given participative-supportexchange, a given user may exchange $1000 for a 1% share of futuredonations (and/or one or more particular types of revenue) to a givencontent-providing user (who receives the $1000 from the given user). Thegiven user may thus support the given content-providing user. Responsiveto the content-providing user receiving more than $100K in donations(subsequent to this given participative-support exchange), the givenuser may recoup part of the $1000, all of $1000, or more than $1000,depending on the particular conditions related to this givenparticipative-support exchange.

Rating component 116 may be configured to receive rating information. Insome implementations, rating component 116 may be configured to receiverating information based on input received from individual users throughuser interfaces 125. The input may include one or more positive ratings,one or more negative ratings, and/or other ratings. Rating informationmay be based on the received user input from one or morerating-providing users. In some implementations, particular individualuser input may indicate a particular rating from a set of ratingoptions. In some implementations, a set of rating options may includeone or more positive rating options, one or more negative ratingoptions, and/or zero or more other rating options. For example, in someimplementations, the set of rating options may include “like” and“dislike”, or “fire” and “trash”, or “thumbs up” and “thumbs down.” Forexample, in some implementations, the set of rating options may include“like”, “dislike”, and “neutral,” or “fire”, “trash”, and “needs work”,or “thumbs up”, “thumbs down”, and “meh”. For example, in someimplementations, the set of rating options may be a numerical scale,from 0 to 100, from 1 to 10, from 1 to 5, and so forth. For example, insome implementations, the set of rating options may be a letter grade(say, from “A” to “F”). Other rating options (numerical, non-numerical,and/or a mix of both) are considered within the scope of thisdisclosure. In some implementations, rating options may be representedusing a graphical element, such as, for example, an icon or image.

Metric component 118 may be configured to determine values for metrics.In some implementations, the metrics may include ranking metrics of theindividual items of user-provided content. In some implementations, themetrics may include experience metrics related to individual users. Insome implementations, determination of the values for the rankingmetrics may be based on information received from rating component 116.In some implementations, determination of the values for the rankingmetrics may be based on the received rating information such that afirst determination of a first value for a first ranking metric of afirst item (of user-provided content) is based at least in part on thereceived user input from one or more particular (rating-providing)users. Metric component 118 may be configured to determine values forranking metrics of individual ones of the users. For example, anexperience metric (related to a particular content-providing user) maybe based at least in part on a particular ranking metric of a particularitem (that has been provided by the particular content-providing user).In some implementations, determinations by metric component 118 may bebased on aggregating numerical information. For example, the totalnumber of positive ratings may be used to determine a particular rankingmetric (e.g., a song's ranking metric may be 10,000 likes). For example,the ratio of positive versus negative ratings may be used to determine aparticular ranking metric (e.g., a song's ranking metric may be 80%positive). For example, the average rating of numerical ratings may beused to determine a particular ranking metric (e.g., a song's rankingmetric may have a value of 3.5 out of 5 stars). In some implementations,multiple ranking metrics may be combined and/or otherwise aggregated todetermine a specific ranking metric.

An experience metric for a particular content-providing user may bebased on ranking metrics for items of content provided by the particularcontent-providing user. For example, the particular experience metricmay have a value of 50,000 likes, an average of 65% positive ratings,and so forth. An experience metric for a particular rating-providinguser may be based on ranking metrics for items of content for which theparticular rating-providing user has provided a rating. For example, theexperience metric may have a value of 500 ratings (e.g., “likes” and“dislikes” combined), an average of 65% positive ratings, an accuracyvalue of 80%, and so forth. As used herein, accuracy may be determinedby comparing the rating from the particular user with ratings from otherusers. For example, if the particular user liked a song, and themajority of the other users who provided a rating for the same song alsolike the song, the accuracy of the particular user may increase (inparticular, the accuracy of the particular rating of liking this song).For example, if the particular user disliked a song, and the majority ofthe other users who provided a rating for the same song also dislike thesong, the accuracy of the particular user may increase (in particular,the accuracy of the particular rating of disliking this song).Conversely, if the particular user liked a song, and the majority of theother users who provided a rating for the same song disliked the song,the accuracy of the particular user may decrease (in particular, theaccuracy of the particular rating of liking this song). Likewise, if theparticular user disliked a song, and the majority of the other users whoprovided a rating for the same song liked the song, the accuracy of theparticular user may decrease (in particular, the accuracy of theparticular rating of disliking this song).

In some implementations, determinations by metric component 118 may takeother information into account. For example, if rating-providing userscan provide user input (corresponding to rating information) prior tothe presentation of particular user-provided content being completed,the moment of rating/voting/providing the user input may be relevant tothe determinations by metric component 118. For example, user inputprovided after the first 10 (or 20, or 30, or 60) seconds of presentinga particular song may be weighed more heavily (or, in someimplementations, less heavily) as user input provided after the first 10(or 20, or 30, or 60) seconds of the presentation of the particularsong, or after the entire song has completed. In some implementations,rating information may be weighed differently based on the number ofrating-providing users that have provided user input regardingparticular user-provided content. For example, in some cases, earlierrating/voting may outweigh later rating/voting. For example, in somecases, rating/voting provided after some threshold event (e.g., the1000^(th) vote, or the 1000^(th) positive vote, and so forth) may becounted less, or not at all. The rationale may be, in someimplementations, that additional users jumping on the bandwagon afterparticular content (say, a song) has become popular (at least with theusers of system 100) has less value and/or information than the(potentially more independent) opinions/ratings/votes of the earliestgroup of rating-providing users. Determinations by metric component 118pertaining to a particular rating-providing users may be based, at leastin part, on actions by other rating-providing users (and/or the timingof actions by other rating-providing users).

In some implementations, accurate rating may be valued more if theparticular accuracy was rare. For example, assume only 100rating-providing users provide a rating for a particular song (e.g., ina particular period of time, such as an early-rating period). Furtherassume that much later, after a million ratings, the song has becomevery popular. If only 1 rating-providing user in the set of the first100 rating-providing users provided a positive rating, this accuracyshould be deemed more valuable (and awarded accordingly) than when 99ratings users in the set of the first 100 rating-providing usersprovided a positive rating.

Comparison component 120 may be configured to make comparisons involving(values of) ranking metrics, rating information, and/or otherinformation. For example, a comparison may compare a particular valuefor a particular ranking metric of a particular item (of user-providedcontent) with particular rating information for the same item. Theparticular ranking metric may be based on rating information frommultiple users. The particular rating information for the same item maybe based on user input provided by a single rating-providing user. Forexample, comparison component 120 may compare an 80% positive rating fora particular song with the particular rating or vote from a particularrating-providing user. Responsive to the particular rating or vote beingpositive, the particular rating-providing user was accurate (or rather,this particular rating or vote accurately predicted that a majority ofrating-providing users would like the song). Responsive to theparticular rating or vote being negative, the particularrating-providing user was inaccurate (or rather, this particular ratingor vote was inaccurate in predicting that a majority of rating-providingusers would like the song).

In some implementations, comparison component 120 may be configured tomake comparisons between the ranking metrics for different users. Forexample, a first content-providing user may be ranked higher than asecond content-providing user, based on an experience metric. Forexample, a first rating-providing user may be ranked higher than asecond rating-providing user, based on an experience metric. In someimplementations, comparison component 120 may be configured to makecomparisons between the ranking metrics for different items ofuser-provided content. For example, a first item of user-providedcontent may be ranked higher than a second item of user-providedcontent, based on a particular metric. In some implementations, rankingsas determined by comparison component 120 may be presented to users,e.g., through user interfaces 125 and/or client computing platforms 104.

Correlation determination component 122 may be configured to determinecorrelations of (values of) ranking metrics, rating information, and/orother information. In some implementations, determinations bycorrelation determination component 122 may be based on comparisons bycomparison component 120. In some implementations, correlations mayindicate and/or correspond to a level of accuracy, e.g., in predictingvalues of ranking metrics. In some implementations, correlations mayindicate and/or correspond to predictive power. For example, a firstrating-providing user may provide a positive rating for a song, whereasa second rating-providing user provides a negative rating for the samesong. Assuming, e.g., a 70% positive ranking metric for this particularsong among a group of more than these two rating-providing users (say,for example, a group of 100 or 1000 rating-providing users), thecorrelation of the first user's positive rating may be greater than thecorrelation of the second user's negative rating. Conversely, assuming aless than 50% positive ranking metric, the correlation of the firstuser's positive rating may be smaller (or less) than the correlation ofthe second user's negative rating.

Award distribution component 124 may be configured to determine and/ordistribute awards based on (values of) ranking metrics, ratinginformation, and/or other information. In some implementations, awarddistribution component 124 may distribute different types of awards fordifferent types of actions and/or accomplishments in system 100. Forexample, award distribution component 124 may distribute awards based oncorrelations determined by correlation determination component 122. Insome implementations, award distribution component 124 may distributeawards based on metrics determined by metric component 118. In someimplementations, award distribution component 124 may distribute awardsbased on comparisons made by comparison component 120. For example, insome implementations, award distribution component 124 may distributeawards to users for completing a particular presentation ofuser-provided content (e.g., listening to an entire song). For example,in some implementations, award distribution component 124 may distributeawards to users for completing at least a predetermined percentage (say50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) of a particular presentation ofuser-provided content. For example, in some implementations, awarddistribution component 124 may distribute awards to users forcontent-providing user input to rate and/or vote on user-providedcontent (e.g., regardless of correlation and/or accuracy levels). Forexample, in some implementations, award distribution component 124 maydistribute awards to users for content-providing user input to rateand/or vote on user-provided content in a manner such that thecorresponding correlation breaches a threshold. For example, the awardmay be in accordance with the determined correlation such that a highercorrelation effectuates a greater award and/or a different type ofaward. For example, a first rating-providing user may provide a positiverating for a song, whereas a second rating-providing user provides anegative rating for the same song. Assuming, e.g., a 75% positiveranking metric for this particular song among a group of more than thesetwo rating-providing users (say, for example, a group of 100 or 1000rating-providing users), the award distributed to the first user may begreater than the award (if any) distributed to the second user.Conversely, assuming a less than 50% positive ranking metric, the awarddistributed to the first user (if any) may be smaller (or, in someimplementations, less) than the award distributed to the second user.

In some implementations, distribution of an award may include amodification of the account information of a particular user. In someimplementations, awards may include in-system status, increasedinfluence in future rating/ranking, and/or other perks. For example, abalance of a virtual object and/or currency as maintained in the accountinformation of the particular user may be increased. In someimplementations, distribution of an award may include an increase of avalue of the experience metric of a particular user. In someimplementations, a balance of a virtual object and/or currency may berecorded (and/or modified) on a decentralized ledger, including, e.g.,blockchain 111 a. In some implementations, distribution component 124may be configured to generate and transfer sets of instructions todecentralized database server 111 (in particular, to instructioncomponent 134) to effectuate a transaction and/or modification onblockchain 111 a (e.g., such a transaction and/or modification mayimplement the distribution of an award).

Revenue information component 136 may be configured to receive revenueinformation from users. In some implementations, revenue information mayrepresent revenue received by individual content-providing users. Insome implementations, revenue may be received by content-providing usersthrough one or more types of revenue source. For example, in someimplementations, particular revenue information may represent revenuereceive through a combination of multiple types of revenue and/ormultiple types of revenue source. For example, a particularcontent-providing user may receive a combination of a first type ofrevenue (from a first type of revenue source) and a second type ofrevenue (from a second type of revenue source). For example, the firsttype of revenue may be sales of individual items of user-providedcontent (e.g., provided by the particular content-providing user). Forexample, the second type of revenue may be donations by users to theparticular content-providing user (e.g., either one-time donations suchas tips, recurring donations, and/or a combination of both). Forexample, a particular type of revenue may be from a particular type ofrevenue source, such as participative-support exchanges. In someimplementations, certain types of revenue may be specific to individualitems of user-provided content. Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, insome implementations, certain types of revenue may be specific toindividual content-providing users (but not, e.g., to individual itemsof content provided by such an individual content-providing user). Insome implementations, a particular participative-support exchange may bean exchange between a particular content-providing user and anotheruser. This exchange may exchange an amount of a currency for a portionof future revenue that is specified (i.e., the type of revenue may bespecified, the type of revenue source may be specified, one or moreperiods may be specified to determine whether revenue contributes to thespecified future revenue, the pertinent items of user-provided contentmay be specified, etc. etc.). For example, the particular revenue may be(future) revenue that is to be received by the particularcontent-providing user. The particular revenue may be based on revenuefrom one or more types of revenue source (e.g., a combination ofmultiple types of revenue source). In some implementations, the currencymay be a fiat currency. In some implementations, the currency mayinclude a virtual currency and/or a crypto-currency. In someimplementations, received revenue may include multiple types ofcurrency. In some implementations, received revenue may be limited tocertain items of user-provided content, and/or certain types ofuser-provided content. In some implementations, received revenue mayinclude revenue for items of user-provided content that did not exist atthe time of the particular participative-support exchange. In otherwords, a particular participative-support exchange may apply to future(i.e., to-be-released) items of user-provided content, such as, by wayof non-limiting example, songs that have not been created yet at themoment of the particular participative-support exchange.

Revenue determination component 138 may be configured to determinerevenue for individual content-providing users, in particular receiveduser-specific revenue. Revenue determination component 138 may beconfigured to differentiate different types of revenue, different typesof revenue source, and/or other characteristics of revenue that may beused to determine whether received revenue contributes towards revenueas specified in particular participative-support exchanges. For example,in some implementations, information regarding suchparticipative-support exchanges may have been received by revenueinformation component 136. In some implementations, content-providinguser-specific revenue information (e.g., as determined by revenuedetermination component 138) may be stored and/or otherwise recorded inuser account information and/or blockchain 111 a. In someimplementations, determinations by revenue determination component 138may be made repeatedly, e.g., at regular intervals. For example, once amonth revenue determination component 138 may determine, percontent-providing user and/or per participative-support exchange, whatthe (specified) received revenue is.

Revenue distribution component 140 may be configured to determine and/ordistribute portions of (received) revenue. In some implementations,revenue distribution component 140 may determine and distribute portionsof received revenue in accordance with individual participative-supportexchanges. For example, revenue distribution component 140 may determinea specified percentage (say, 5%) of received revenue (as determined byrevenue determination component 138), and distribute this determinedamount to the appropriate user(s). In some implementations, thedetermined portion of certain specified revenue may be a percentage(e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or more than 10%, orbetween 1-5%, between 4-10%, between 8-15%, etc. etc.). In someimplementations, the determined portion of certain specified revenue maybe a fixed amount of, say, $1, $2, $3, $4, $5, $10, $20, and/or anotheramount (in some implementations, the fixed amount may be conditioned onthe certain revenue exceeding some limit, e.g., at least the fixedamount itself). By way of non-limiting example, for a particularcontent-providing user, a particular participative-support exchange mayhave occurred with another user, for a portion of 4% of any type ofreceived revenue from donations. In some implementations, determinationsand distributions by revenue distribution component 140 may be maderepeatedly, e.g., at regular intervals such as 1 month, 2 months, 3months, 4 months, 6 months, 1 year, or more than 1 year. Assume that theparticular content-providing user received $200 in one-time andrecurring donations for a specific month. For that specific month,revenue distribution component 140 may determine that the portion ofreceived revenue in accordance with the particular participative-supportexchange equals 4% of $200, or $8. Accordingly, $8 may be distributed tothe other user for that specific month. As another example, a differentparticipative-support exchange may have occurred with a different user,for a portion of 3% of any type of received revenue from both donationsand sales. Assume, for that specific month, that the particularcontent-providing user received $100 in sales. Accordingly, revenuedistribution component 140 may determine that the portion of receivedrevenue in accordance with this different participative-support exchangeequals 3% of $200, plus 3% of 100, or $9.

Exchange component 142 may be configured to facilitate exchanges ofrights pertaining to participative-support exchanges. For example,exchange component may facilitate exchanges between users of eitherownership rights, distribution rights, and/or other rights pertaining toparticipative-support exchanges. For example, rights pertaining toparticipative-support exchanges may be recorded on blockchain 111 a. Forexample, in some implementations, participative-support exchanges may beimplemented as smart contracts that are recorded on blockchain 111 a. Anexchange from an owner of the rights to a particularparticipative-support exchange to another user may be recorded onblockchain 111 a as a transaction between the owner and the other user.For example, an exchange from an owner of the distribution rightspertaining to a particular participative-support exchange to anotheruser may be recorded on blockchain 111 a as a transaction between theowner and the other user.

Recommendation component 144 may be configured to determinerecommendations for amounts of currency to be exchanged for certainrights for participative-support exchange. For example, recommendationsmay increase responsive to the related monthly distributions increasing.For example, recommendations may decrease responsive to the relatedmonthly distributions decreasing. Recommendation component 144 mayanalyze an equivalent value for certain particular ownership and/ordistribution rights. In some implementations, recommendation component144 may be configured to present determinations and/or recommendationsto users. By way of non-limiting example, distribution rights to aparticular participative-support exchange may have reliably causedmonthly distributions of $10. Perhaps recommendation component 144 mayrecommend a value of $100 for these distribution rights. In someimplementations, recommendations by recommendation component 144 may bebased, at least in part, on recorded transactions of other rights, asrecorded in transactions on blockchain 111 a.

In some implementations, server(s) 102, client computing platform(s)104, and/or external resources 126 may be operatively linked via one ormore electronic communication links. For example, such electroniccommunication links may be established, at least in part, via one ormore networks 13 such as the Internet and/or other networks. It will beappreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the scopeof this disclosure includes implementations in which server(s) 102,client computing platform(s) 104, and/or external resources 126 may beoperatively linked via some other communication media.

A given client computing platform 104 may include one or more processorsconfigured to execute computer program components. The computer programcomponents may be configured to enable an expert or user associated withthe given client computing platform 104 to interface with system 100and/or external resources 126, and/or provide other functionalityattributed herein to client computing platform(s) 104. By way ofnon-limiting example, the given client computing platform 104 mayinclude one or more of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a handheldcomputer, a tablet computing platform, a NetBook, a Smartphone, a gamingconsole, and/or other computing platforms.

External resources 126 may include sources of information outside ofsystem 100, external entities participating with system 100, and/orother resources. In some implementations, some or all of thefunctionality attributed herein to external resources 126 may beprovided by resources included in system 100.

Server(s) 102 may include electronic storage 128, one or more (hardware)processors 130, and/or other components. Server(s) 102 may includecommunication lines, or ports to enable the exchange of information witha network and/or other computing platforms. Illustration of server(s)102 in FIG. 1 is not intended to be limiting. Server(s) 102 may includea plurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components operatingtogether to provide the functionality attributed herein to server(s)102. For example, server(s) 102 may be implemented by a cloud ofcomputing platforms operating together as server(s) 102. In someimplementations, servers 102 may include one or more content servers 102a.

Processor(s) 130 may be configured to provide information processingcapabilities in server(s) 102. As such, processor(s) 130 may include oneor more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuitdesigned to process information, an analog circuit designed to processinformation, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronicallyprocessing information. Although processor(s) 130 is shown in FIG. 1 asa single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In someimplementations, processor(s) 130 may include a plurality of processingunits. These processing units may be physically located within the samedevice, or processor(s) 130 may represent processing functionality of aplurality of devices operating in coordination. Processor(s) 130 may beconfigured to execute components 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122,124, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and/or 144, and/or other components.Processor(s) 130 may be configured to execute components 108, 110, 112,114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and/or 144,and/or other components by software; hardware; firmware; somecombination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or othermechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor(s) 130.As used herein, the term “component” may refer to any component or setof components that perform the functionality attributed to thecomponent. This may include one or more physical processors duringexecution of processor readable instructions, the processor readableinstructions, circuitry, hardware, storage media, or any othercomponents.

Electronic storage 128 may comprise non-transitory storage media thatelectronically stores information. The electronic storage media ofelectronic storage 128 may include one or both of system storage that isprovided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with server(s)102 and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to server(s)102 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.)or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage 128 mayinclude one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., opticaldisks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape,magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-basedstorage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media(e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storagemedia. Electronic storage 128 may include one or more virtual storageresources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or othervirtual storage resources). Electronic storage 128 may store softwarealgorithms, information determined by processor(s) 130, informationreceived from server(s) 102, information received from client computingplatform(s) 104, and/or other information that enables server(s) 102 tofunction as described herein.

In some implementations, system 100 may include one or moredecentralized database servers 111 configured to host, implement, and/orotherwise provide one or more blockchains 111 a. In someimplementations, decentralized database server(s) 111 may include one ormore of electronic storage 128 a, processor(s) 130 a, machine-readableinstructions 106 a, and/or other components. Electronic storage 128 amay be similar to electronic storage 128 as described elsewhere in thisdisclosure, though included in decentralized database server(s) 111.Processor(s) 130 a may be similar to processor(s) 130 a as describedelsewhere in this disclosure, though included in decentralized databaseserver(s) 111. Machine-readable instructions 106 a may be similar tomachine-readable instructions 106 as described elsewhere in thisdisclosure, though included in decentralized database server(s) 111.Blockchain 111 a may be used to record and/or otherwise store accountinformation for users of system 100, as well as other informationrelated to the operation of system 100.

In some implementations, blockchain 111 a may be maintained by adistributed computing platform (not shown in FIG. 1). In someimplementations, the distributed computing platform may be implementedby a set of client computing platforms and/or servers. The distributedcomputing platform may support a virtual machine (not shown in FIG. 1).The distributed computing platform and/or the virtual machine may form aruntime environment for smart contracts and/or other executable code. Insome implementations, the distributed computing platform may includeelectronic storage configured to store part or all of blockchain 111 a.The smart contracts may be stored on blockchain 111 a. In someimplementations, the distributed computing platform may be the EOSIOplatform. In some implementations, the distributed computing platformmay be Ethereum. In some implementations, the distributed computingplatform may be similar to Ethereum. In some implementations, thevirtual machine may be a decentralized virtual machine.

Blockchain 111 a may implement a decentralized ledger that recordsrights pertaining to digital assets. For example, a blockchain is a typeof ledger, as well as a type of decentralized database that recordsrights pertaining to digital assets. A given (digital) asset may beowned by a particular user. An asset may include anything of materialvalue or usefulness that is owned by or on behalf of one or more users.In some implementations, a virtual item may be represented by a digitalasset that is recorded on blockchain 111 a. In some implementations, aright pertaining to an object (e.g., a distribution right) may be anasset, the object being a physical or a virtual item. Multiple rightsmay form a set of rights or a bundle of rights that may be transferredand/or otherwise acted on and/or operated on together. For example,rights may include one or more of a right to use, a right to sell, aright to destroy, a right to certain types of distributions, and/orother rights. For example, in some implementations, rights pertaining toa virtual item (e.g., ownership) may be recorded on blockchain 111 a. Insome implementations, tokens may be a type of asset. In someimplementations, tokens may include one or more of security tokens,utility tokens, payment tokens, initial coin offering (ICO) tokens,virtual currency tokens, crypto tokens, ERC-20 tokens, EOS tokens,and/or other tokens. In some implementations, tokens not only representvalue, but may have a specific use in a particular distributed computingplatform, e.g., in the operation of blockchain 111 a.

In some implementations, blockchain 111 a may register transactions thatmodify ownership (and/or other rights) pertaining to digital assets. Asmart contract may implement a (type of) digital asset. For example, asmart contract may implement at least a part of a participative-supportexchange. In some implementations, once a smart contract has been addedto a blockchain, the smart contract may be referred to as published,posted, registered, and/or recorded. Elements of blockchain 111 a may begrouped together in units that are referred to as blocks. For example,an individual block may include one or more assets and one or moretransactions. For example, an individual block may be linked to one ormore other individual blocks. Individual blocks may be linked or chainedtogether to form a structure of blocks and/or a hierarchy of blocks,such as, e.g., a chain of blocks. An individual block may include one ormore assets, one or more transactions, and/or other information. By wayof non-limiting example, digital assets may represent virtual items. Insome implementations, virtual items may include one or more of(user-specific) metrics, (user-specific) balances, accomplishments,(user-specific) awards, toys, characters, accessories, in-systemabilities, in-system skills, tools, pets, access rights within an onlinegame, and/or other virtual items. In some implementations, virtual itemsmay refer to any item or object within a gaming platform that a user mayuse, own, sell, trade, destroy, and/or otherwise effectuate a change ofownership of.

In some implementations, blockchain 111 a may be publicly accessible andappend-only. In some implementations, existing blocks of blockchain 111a can substantially not be altered or deleted, unless multiple copiesare altered. This is unlikely to happen provided that multiple copies ofblockchain 111 a are stored on different computing platforms, e.g., indifferent geographical locations. Blockchain 111 a may be replicated onmultiple computing platforms, preferably in multiple differentgeographical locations. Additionally, individual blocks may be linkedtogether in a manner that prevents tampering, such as, e.g., using ahash chain and/or digital signatures. In particular, hash values may begenerated using fixed-output-length one-way hashing functions that takevariable-length input, and may be effectively impossible (or, at least,computationally infeasible) to reverse. As such, a hashing function mayprovide one-way encryption. By way of non-limiting example, the hashingfunction may be SHA-256, BLAKE2, SHAKE256, and/or another hashingfunction. Contents of individual blocks, transactions, and/or assets maybe digitally signed in a manner that proves integrity and/or preventstampering, e.g., by providing authentication.

In some implementations, decentralized database server(s) 111 mayinclude record component 132, instruction component 134, and/or othercomponents. Record component 132 may be configured to record rightspertaining to digital assets on decentralized database server(s) 111and/or blockchain 111 a. In some implementations, record component 132may record rights on a decentralized ledger implemented by decentralizeddatabase server 111. For example, the decentralized ledger may be ablockchain such as blockchain 111 a. In some implementations, recordcomponent 132 may add, modify, and/or remove recorded rights. Forexample, in accordance with received instructions, record component 132may transfer ownership of a particular digital asset from a first ownerto a second owner (e.g., from an original owner to a new owner). In someimplementations, record component 132 may be arranged, organized, and/orotherwise included in decentralized database server 111.

The recorded rights may include ownership rights, distribution rights,and/or other rights. For example, particular recorded rights may reflectownership of a particular digital asset by a particular user. Recordedrights may be asset-specific. For example, distribution rights for aparticular digital asset may designate rights to certain distributionsof benefits upon an exchange involving the particular digital asset. Forexample, the asset-specific distribution rights for a particular digitalasset may include one or more of (i) a right owned by a different userto a part of the benefits upon an exchange, (ii) a right owned by one ormore stakeholders of system 100 to a part of the benefits upon anexchange, and/or other distribution rights. These parts of a benefit mayhave different sizes, percentages, and/or conditions.

Instruction component 134 may be configured to receive (sets of)instructions to add, modify, and/or remove recorded rights in blockchain111 a. For example, instruction component 134 may receive one or moresets of instructions from other components in system 100, including butnot limited to award distribution component 124. Instruction component134 may provide received sets of instructions to record component 132for execution. In some implementations, instruction component 134 may bearranged, organized, and/or otherwise included in decentralized databaseserver 111. In some implementations, user account information may bestored, at least in part, on blockchain 111 a. For example, individualuser accounts may include information that links to and/or otherwiserefers to blockchain 111 a. For example, a balance of credits, points,currencies, metrics, and/or other information may be recorded onblockchain 111 a. In some implementations, distribution of an award mayinclude a modification of a balance (and/or other information) onblockchain 111 a.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 3 depicts a user interface 300, asmay be presented to individual users through particular user interfaces125. User interface 300 may include one or more presentations, e.g., apresentation 31, a presentation 34, a presentation 35 a, a presentation35 b, a presentation 35 c, and/or other presentations. Presentation 31may include user-provided content 32 (e.g., a song or a video, asrepresented by audio signals 32 a). Presentation 31 may further includegraphical user interface elements to facilitate interaction between auser and user interface 300. Here, the graphical user interface elementsinclude action buttons (e.g., action buttons 33 a, 33 b, and 33 c) thatenable an individual user to interact. For example, one particularaction button (action button 33 a, labeled “Like”) would, uponactivation by the individual user, provide the user input to system 100that represents a positive rating of user-provided content 32. Forexample, one particular action button (action button 33 b, labeled“Dislike”) would, upon activation by the individual user, provide theuser input to system 100 that represents a negative rating ofuser-provided content 32. For example, one particular action button(action button 33 c, labeled “Don't care”) would, upon activation by theindividual user, provide the user input to system 100 that representsneither a positive nor a negative rating of user-provided content 32.

Presentation 34 may include graphical user interface elements tofacilitate interactions between a user and user interface 300. Here, thegraphical user interface elements include action buttons (e.g., actionbuttons 34 a, 34 b, and 34 c) that enable an individual user tointeract. For example, one particular action button (action button 34 a,labeled “Donation”) would, upon activation by the individual user,enable the user to make a donation for a particular content-providinguser, in particular, the content-providing user that provideduser-provided content 32. For example, one particular action button(action button 34 b, labeled “Support”) would, upon activation by theindividual user, enable the user to agree to a participative-supportexchange with a particular content-providing user, in particular, withthe content-providing user that provided user-provided content 32. Forexample, one particular action button (action button 34 c, labeled“Exchange”) would, upon activation by the individual user, enable theuser to exchange a previously-made participative-support exchange with adifferent user.

Presentation 35 a presents a ranking of content-providing users ofsystem 100. Presentation 35 b presents a ranking of rating-providingusers of system 100. Presentation 35 c presents a ranking ofuser-provided content of system 100. Information presented inpresentations with ranking information, such as presentations 35 a, 35b, and 35 c, may be based on determinations and/or comparisons bycomparison component 120.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 4A illustrates a blockchain 111 bthat includes a block 0, a block 1, and a block 2. As time progresses,more blocks may be added to blockchain 111 b. The blocks withinblockchain 111 b are ordered. As shown in block 0, three assets(indicated by a capital “A” or “C”) are created and/or generated, andsubsequently assigned to three users or players: a first asset isassigned to user i (Ui), a second asset is assigned to user j (Uj), anda third asset is a smart contract 41 (indicated by a capital “C”) thatis assigned to or owned by user q (Uq). Smart contract 41 may implementa (limited) number of digital assets of a given type “X”, such as, e.g.,participative-support exchanges. A function call to a function definedby smart contract 41 (e.g., to request a particular type of usage,creation, and/or issuance of a digital asset of type “X”) may bedepicted and/or implemented as a transaction (e.g., the function may beinvoked in exchange for consideration). In some implementations, smartcontract 41 may have been posted to blockchain 111 b by (or on behalfof) an owner or creator (here, user q). As used in the context ofblockchains, assignments may record ownership. These assets and smartcontracts may be individually manifested, deployed, and/or instantiatedthrough a record component similar to record component 132 (see FIG. 1).Block 1 is connected to block 0 (as indicated by a link 40 a), forexample by including a (hashed) address of block 1 in block 0, or viceversa. Likewise, block 1 is connected to block 2, as indicated by a link40 b.

In block 1, one asset (labeled Ax) is assigned to user q (Uq), forexample by associating an address of user “q” with asset Ax. Asset Axmay represent an individual digital asset of type “X”, which mayrepresent and/or implement a participative-support exchange. Asset Axmay be created and/or issued by invoking one or more function calls tosmart contract 41. Asset Ax may have associated metadata 42 (indicatedby a capital “M”), which may include and/or link to different types ofinformation, including but not limited to one or more of a user accountname for a content-providing user (here, “John Johnson”, who could be anartist), identifier, description, revenue type, distribution percentage,and/or other information, as depicted. Additionally, block 1 includestwo transactions (indicated by a capital “T”): a first transaction fromuser “i” to user “j”, and a second transaction from user “j” to user“k”. Block 2 includes a first transaction from user “j” to user “m”, anda second transaction from user “j” to user “n”. In some implementations,based on the contents of the blocks, any user of blockchain 111 b maydetermine the current assets of blockchain 111 b, and the balancesand/or inventories of any user (including user “q”). In someimplementations, the balances and/or inventories of a particular usermay be verified prior to adding a transaction that reduces or otherwisemodifies that particular user's balance and/or inventory. For example,an individual user may not be allowed to transfer assets the individualuser does not own.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 4B illustrates a blockchain 111 cthat includes the same blocks as blockchain 111 b of FIG. 4A, plusadditional blocks (block 3, block 4, block 5) that have been appended tothe blockchain. Block 3 may be connected to block 2 (as indicated by alink 40 c), block 4 may be connected to block 3 (as indicated by a link40 d), and block 5 may be connected to block 4 (as indicated by a link40 e). In block 3, another asset (labeled Ax, having associated metadata44) of type “X” is assigned to user “q” (Uq). At least the identifier(here, “#002”) in metadata 44 will be different than the identifier inmetadata 42 of FIG. 4A. Perhaps this asset represents and/or implementsa different participative-support exchange for the samecontent-providing user (“John Johnson”), but at a different distributionpercentage of 8%. Block 4 includes two transactions (indicated by acapital “T”): a first transaction from user “i” to user “n”. Forexample, the transaction may represent a purchase of a first virtualitem by user “n”. Additionally, block 4 includes a second transactionfrom user “p” to the same smart contract as depicted in block 0. Forexample, the second transaction may represent user “p” offering toexchange a particular digital asset of the given type “X” (withidentifier “#002”) for a particular benefit, e.g., of some amount ofcurrency. A user who provides the particular benefit may receiveownership rights and distribution rights pertaining to the particulardigital asset. Block 5 includes a transaction (indicated by a capital“T”) involving the particular digital asset of the given type “X” (withidentifier “#002”, now owned by user “p”). For example, the transactionin block 5 may modify the user that benefits from the distributions touser “r”, while maintaining the ownership rights with user “p”.

Referring to FIG. 1, user interfaces 125 may be configured to facilitateinteraction between the users and system 100 and/or between the usersand client computing platforms 104. For example, user interfaces 125 mayprovide an interface through which the users may provide information toand/or receive information from system 100. In some implementations,user interface 125 may include one or more of a display screen,touchscreen, monitor, a keyboard, buttons, switches, knobs, levers,mouse, microphones, sensors to capture voice commands, sensors tocapture body movement, sensors to capture hand and/or finger gestures,and/or other user interface devices configured to receive and/or conveyuser input. In some implementations, one or more user interfaces 125 maybe included in one or more client computing platforms 104. In someimplementations, one or more user interfaces 125 may be included insystem 100. In some implementations, user interface 125 may be a type ofinterface that facilitates the exchange of virtual items between users.

It should be appreciated that although components 108, 110, 112, 114,116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and/or 144 areillustrated in FIG. 1 as being implemented within a single processingunit, in implementations in which processor(s) 130 includes multipleprocessing units, one or more of components 108, 110, 112, 114, 116,118, 120, 122, 124, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and/or 144 may beimplemented remotely from the other components. The description of thefunctionality provided by the different components 108, 110, 112, 114,116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and/or 144described below is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to belimiting, as any of components 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122,124, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and/or 144 may provide more or lessfunctionality than is described. For example, one or more of components108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140,142, and/or 144 may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionalitymay be provided by other ones of components 108, 110, 112, 114, 116,118, 120, 122, 124, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and/or 144. As anotherexample, processor(s) 130 may be configured to execute one or moreadditional components that may perform some or all of the functionalityattributed below to one of components 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120,122, 124, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and/or 144.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for participative support among users,in accordance with one or more implementations. The operations of method200 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In someimplementations, method 200 may be accomplished with one or moreadditional operations not described, and/or without one or more of theoperations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations ofmethod 200 are illustrated in FIG. 2 and described below is not intendedto be limiting.

In some implementations, method 200 may be implemented in one or moreprocessing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, adigital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuitdesigned to process information, a state machine, and/or othermechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices executing some or allof the operations of method 200 in response to instructions storedelectronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices configured throughhardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed forexecution of one or more of the operations of method 200.

At an operation 202, information is stored. The stored informationincludes user account information related to user accounts. The useraccounts are associated with the users such that a first user account isassociated with the content-providing user and a second user account isassociated with the second user. First account information is related tothe first user account. Second account information is related to thesecond user account. In some embodiments, operation 202 is performed byan information storing component the same as or similar to informationstoring component 108 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 204, user accounts are maintained that are associatedwith the users. In some embodiments, operation 204 is performed by auser account component the same as or similar to user account component110 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 206, items of user-provided content are obtained. Theitems include audio information. The items are associated with thecontent-providing users such that a first item of user-provided contentis associated with the first content-providing user who provided thefirst item. The first item includes first audio information. In someembodiments, operation 206 is performed by a content obtaining componentthe same as or similar to content obtaining component 112 (shown in FIG.1 and described herein).

At an operation 208, presentations of the items of user-provided contentare effectuated through user interfaces to the users. In someembodiments, operation 208 is performed by a presentation component thesame as or similar to presentation component 114 (shown in FIG. 1 anddescribed herein).

At an operation 210, revenue information is received from the users. Therevenue information represents received revenue for thecontent-providing users. The received revenue is a combination of one ormore types of revenue source. The one or more types of revenue sourceinclude one-time donations and participative-support exchanges. Aone-time donation is an individual donation from an individual user toan individual content-providing user. A participative-support exchangeis a particular exchange between the second user and thecontent-providing user of an amount of a currency being exchanged for aportion of particular revenue received by the content-providing user.The particular revenue is based on received revenue information. In someembodiments, operation 210 is performed by a revenue informationcomponent the same as or similar to revenue information component 136(shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 212, the particular revenue is determined for thecontent-providing user, based on the received revenue information. Insome embodiments, operation 212 is performed by a revenue determinationcomponent the same as or similar to revenue determination component 138(shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 214, the portion of the particular revenue is determinedand distributed to the second user, in accordance with theparticipative-support exchange. In some embodiments, operation 214 isperformed by a revenue distribution component the same as or similar torevenue distribution component 140 (shown in FIG. 1 and describedherein).

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system configured for participative supportamong users, wherein the users include content-providing users thatprovide user-provided content to other users, wherein acontent-providing user is associated with a first client computingplatform and a second user is provided with a second client computingplatform, the system comprising: electronic storage media configured tostore information, wherein the stored information includes user accountinformation related to user accounts, wherein the user accounts areassociated with the users such that a first user account is associatedwith the content-providing user and a second user account is associatedwith the second user, wherein first account information is related tothe first user account, and wherein second account information isrelated to the second user account; a content server configured toeffectuate presentations of user-provided content provided by thecontent-providing users, wherein the content server includes one or morehardware processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:maintain the user accounts associated with the users; obtain items ofuser-provided content, wherein the items include audio information,wherein the items are associated with the content-providing users suchthat a first item of user-provided content is associated with thecontent-providing user who provided the first item, wherein the firstitem includes first audio information; effectuate presentations of theitems of user-provided content through user interfaces to the users;receive revenue information from the users, wherein the revenueinformation represents received revenue for the content-providing users,wherein the received revenue is a combination of one or more types ofrevenue source, wherein the one or more types of revenue source include:(i) one-time donations, and (ii) participative-support exchanges,wherein a one-time donation is an individual donation from an individualuser to an individual content-providing user, wherein aparticipative-support exchange is a particular exchange between thesecond user and the content-providing user of an amount of a currencybeing exchanged for a portion of particular revenue received by thecontent-providing user, wherein the particular revenue is based onreceived revenue information; determine the particular revenue for thecontent-providing user, based on the received revenue information; anddetermine and distribute the portion of the particular revenue to thesecond user, in accordance with the participative-support exchange. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the particular revenue for thecontent-providing user is determined repeatedly at specified intervals,and wherein the portion of the particular revenue is distributedrepeatedly at the specified intervals to a user that owns distributionrights pertaining to the participative-support exchange.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the presentations to the users include userinterface elements to receive user input from the users, wherein theuser input represents rating information that indicates particularratings from a set of rating options, wherein the set of rating optionsincludes at least a positive rating and a negative rating.
 4. The systemof claim 3, wherein the particular ratings represent assessments and/orevaluations of quality and/or merit of the items of user-providedcontent.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the content-providing usershas uploaded the first item of user-provided content to the contentserver.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one-time donation is a tipof a particular amount of currency.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe particular revenue is received by the content-providing usersubsequent to the second user providing the amount of the currency aspart of the participative-support exchange.
 8. The system of claim 1,further comprising: a decentralized database server configured toimplement a blockchain, wherein the decentralized database servercomprises one or more processors configured by machine-readableinstructions to: record, on the blockchain, rights pertaining to theparticipative-support exchanges, wherein the recorded rights reflectownership rights and distribution rights pertaining to theparticipative-support exchange and the portion of the particular revenuereceived by the content-providing user, wherein the second user owns therecorded rights pertaining to the participative-support exchange; andreceive instructions to modify the recorded rights on the blockchain. 9.The system of claim 8, wherein the users include a third user, whereinthe content server is further configured to: receive exchangeinformation, wherein the exchange information represents an individualexchange between the third user and the second user for the ownershiprights and the distribution rights pertaining to theparticipative-support exchange and the portion of the particularrevenue; and responsive to receipt of the exchange information, transfera first set of instructions to the decentralized database server;wherein the decentralized database server is further configured to:receive the first set of instructions from the content server; andtransfer the ownership rights and the distribution rights pertaining tothe participative-support exchange and the portion of the particularrevenue, from the second user to the third user, in accordance with thereceived first set of instructions.
 10. The system of claim 9, whereinthe individual exchange between the third user and the second userinvolves a second amount of a second currency, wherein the one or morehardware processors are further configured by the machine-readableinstructions to: determine the second amount of the second currency as arecommendation for the individual exchange between the third user andthe second user; and effectuate one or more presentations that includeinformation based on the second amount of the second currency to one orboth of the second user and the third user.
 11. A method forfacilitating participative support among users, wherein the usersinclude content-providing users that provide user-provided content toother users, wherein a content-providing user is associated with a firstclient computing platform and a second user is provided with a secondclient computing platform, the method comprising: storing information,wherein the stored information includes user account information relatedto user accounts, wherein the user accounts are associated with theusers such that a first user account is associated with thecontent-providing user and a second user account is associated with thesecond user, wherein first account information is related to the firstuser account, and wherein second account information is related to thesecond user account; obtaining, by a content obtaining component, itemsof user-provided content, wherein the items include audio information,wherein the items are associated with the content-providing users suchthat a first item of user-provided content is associated with the firstcontent-providing user who provided the first item, wherein the firstitem includes first audio information; effectuating, by a presentationcomponent, presentations of the items of user-provided content throughuser interfaces to the users, wherein the user interfaces are includedin client computing platforms associated with the users; receiving, by arevenue information component, revenue information from the users,wherein the revenue information represents received revenue for thecontent-providing users, wherein the received revenue is a combinationof one or more types of revenue source, wherein the one or more types ofrevenue source include: (I) one-time donations, and (ii)participative-support exchanges, wherein a one-time donation is anindividual donation from an individual user to an individualcontent-providing user, wherein a participative-support exchange is aparticular exchange between the second user and the content-providinguser of an amount of a currency being exchanged for a portion ofparticular revenue received by the content-providing user, wherein theparticular revenue is based on received revenue information;determining, by a revenue determination component, the particularrevenue for the content-providing user, based on the received revenueinformation; and distributing, by a revenue distribution component, theportion of the particular revenue to the second user, in accordance withthe participative-support exchange.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinthe particular revenue for the content-providing user is determinedrepeatedly at specified intervals, and wherein the portion of theparticular revenue is distributed repeatedly at the specified intervalsto a user that owns distribution rights pertaining to theparticipative-support exchange.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein thepresentations to the users include user interface elements to receiveuser input from the users, wherein the user input represents ratinginformation that indicates particular ratings from a set of ratingoptions, wherein the set of rating options includes at least a positiverating and a negative rating.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein theparticular ratings represent assessments and/or evaluations of qualityand/or merit of the items of user-provided content.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the content-providing users has uploaded the firstitem of user-provided content to the content server.
 16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the one-time donation is a tip of a particular amountof currency.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the particular revenueis received by the content-providing user subsequent to the second userproviding the amount of the currency as part of theparticipative-support exchange.
 18. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: recording, on a blockchain, rights pertaining to theparticipative-support exchanges, wherein the recorded rights reflectownership rights and distribution rights pertaining to theparticipative-support exchange and the portion of the particular revenuereceived by the content-providing user, wherein the second user owns therecorded rights pertaining to the participative-support exchange; andreceiving instructions to modify the recorded rights on the blockchain.19. The method of claim 18, wherein the users include a third user, themethod further comprising: receiving exchange information, wherein theexchange information represents an individual exchange between the thirduser and the second user for the ownership rights and the distributionrights pertaining to the participative-support exchange and the portionof the particular revenue; responsive to receipt of the exchangeinformation, transfer a first set of instructions to the decentralizeddatabase server; receiving the first set of instructions from thecontent server; and transferring the ownership rights and thedistribution rights pertaining to the participative-support exchange andthe portion of the particular revenue, from the second user to the thirduser, in accordance with the received first set of instructions.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the individual exchange between the thirduser and the second user involves a second amount of a second currency,the method further comprising: determining the second amount of thesecond currency as a recommendation for the individual exchange betweenthe third user and the second user; and effectuating one or morepresentations that include information based on the second amount of thesecond currency to one or both of the second user and the third user.